Regis Le Bris fighting a losing battle at Sunderland after what he’s said about Trai Hume
Regis Le Bris continues to defend his decision to utilise Trai Hume in an unnatural position.
Sunderland’s injury situation is far from severe, but the absence of Bertrand Traore and Granit Xhaka have left two huge holes in their side in recent weeks.
Xhaka’s absence has certainly been felt the most, though Traore’s injury has had a surprisingly negative effect on the way the Black Cats have set up.
Hume has often been utilised on the right wing, despite Le Bris having several options to play in that area of the pitch.
And by defending his decision to do so, he is opening himself up to plenty of criticism.
Trai Hume is amplifying Sunderland’s biggest concern
Sunderland secured a 1-0 win over Oxford last time out, and that was one of the only times this year that we’ve seen Hume utilised at right-back.
The 23-year-old has featured at right wing five times already this year, and very rarely has he showcased the quality needed in that area of the pitch.
And yet Le Bris still sees value in him playing there.
After the defeat to Liverpool, the Frenchman said: “Probably, it wasn’t the best game for our right side against Liverpool, but it wasn’t only Trai alone. It’s a question of connection; so far, they worked well together.”
But with Sunderland having scored the third-fewest goals in the Premier League this season, and only six away from home, Hume is only making their attacking frailties stand out more.
His 20 per cent dribble competition showcases how little attacking impetus he has in the wide areas, and his 15.2 per cent cross accuracy is among the lowest in the top flight.
Added to that, Hume has registered just 0.94 xA from 17 created chances this season, which demonstrates the lack of threat he poses from a creative standpoint.
Le Bris keeps defending his decision, but it is very difficult for him to back up his argument with how toothless his side has been from open play.
Does Trai Hume make Sunderland’s best XI?
None of the above is to say that Hume is not a good player, because he certainly is.
And he has showcased that throughout his time at the Stadium of Light, where he has continued to improve.
However, he is miles off the standard required to play as a winger, and there is a case to be made that he isn’t the best right-back at the club either.
Nordi Mukiele has been sensational since his summer move, and with centre-back options like Dan Ballard, Lutsharel Geetruida and Omar Alderete, Sunderland will get the most out of him on the right of a back four.
Not only has Mukiele created three more chances than Hume, but his 41.2 per cent dribble success rate is also signficantly better when the Black Cats are in transition.
Hume is still a remarkably valuable player on Wearside, but there are better options available at the current moment.
For even more Sunderland news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.